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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Legislative and Policy Experiences
Bernard Moore, Ph.D.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities……………………………………………….……3
2. Ability to Manage Research………………………………………………….……..4
3. Ability to Review the Analysis of Others……………………………….………….7
4. Ability to Lead People………………………………………………....….….……..8
5. Ability to Collaborate……………………………………………………….………8
6. Ability to Communicate in Writings………………………………………….…….9
7. Ability to Build Client Relationship………………………………………………...10
8. Ability to Communicate Orally………………………………………....…………..10
9. Ability to Convey Information Orally Through Briefs and Presentations………….10
10. Knowledge of Congressional Decision-Making……………………………………11
11. Ability to Exercise Judgment and Discretion………………………………………12
12. Legislative Achievement in Congress……………………………………………...12
13. Congressional Appropriations and Achievements……………………….…………17
14. Community Outreach Initiatives……………………………………………………18
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KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
1. Knowledge of Congress and American Politics
As a senior professional with many years of experience in the legislative branch of the government
in the U.S. House of Representatives, I am a recognized authority on the U.S. Congress: Budget
Process, Committee Procedures & Appropriations Process, the Second Chance Act of 2007 and
offender reentry initiatives as well as an academic scholar in Black Politics. Formerly, as Senior
Policy Fellow/Advisor to Representative Danny K. Davis and a Policy Fellow to the members of
the Congressional Black Caucus, I was engaged daily in the inner-workings of the legislative
process on Capitol Hill; worked closely with members of Congress. I spearheaded, wrote, and
progressed the passage of the Second Chance Act of 2007 in the House, and progressed the
legislation to the U.S. Senate, working with then Senator Joseph Biden, Jr. and late Senator Edward
M. Kennedy. Under the direction of Representative Davis, I gain 92 bi-partisan co-sponsors of
(H.R.1593) and 247 votes in the House as a result of my creative ability that refocused discussion
on offender reentry issues and concerns for public safety.
As a Senior Policy Advisor to Congressman Danny K. Davis, I work with Congressman Davis on
his committee assignment to the House Committee on Ways and Means, House Committee on the
Judiciary; worked with various other committees, including the House Committee on Oversight &
Government Reform. Among my responsibilities was the Congressman’s “pen,” writing floor
statements, op-eds, talking points, and letters to other members of Congress. I have built ties and
coalitions with such organizations, as the House Democratic Caucus, and the Congressional Black
Caucus. It was my job to organize press conferences concerning key issues and drive the legislative
process.
My organizational efforts on behalf of Congressman Danny K. Davis and members of the
Congressional Black Caucus have strengthened my ties to Congressional members and deepened
my exposure to the legislative process. I further worked with Cabinet Officials, including but not
limited to past and present Presidents of the United States and members of the Supreme Court of
the United States. Since 2004, I have organized and hosted on the behalf of members of Congress
briefing and press conferences as well as policy forums for the Speaker of the House, Democratic
Caucus, Congressional Black Caucus Institute/CNN Presidential Democratic Primary Debate at
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
As an academician, I served as an Assistant Professor at Williams College, where I taught an array
of undergraduate courses, including Black Leadership in Congress, Black Politics and Race in
Criminal Justice. While on Capitol Hill, I coordinated “Williams on the Hill” with more than 30
students, where I placed students in internships at the White House, Supreme Court, U.S.
Departments, Justice, Labor, U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives during the
summer of 2009.
At Williams College, I coordinated “An Evening with Members of the Congressional Black
Caucus” Race in the New Congress, a roundtable discussion moderated by Lesley Stahl,
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Correspondent, CBS News, 60 Minutes. Roundtable participants included CBC members of
Congress: James Clyburn, John Lewis, Yvette Clarke, Diane E. Watson, Hank Johnson, Donna
Christensen, Danny K. Davis, Bobby Scott, Sheila Jackson Lee and Governor Deval Patrick
(Massachusetts).
During Winter Study at Williams College, I arranged an Undergraduate Moot Court with presiding
federal judges that included: Hon. Jeffrey R. Howard, Circuit Judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals
for the First Circuit, Hon. William K.Sessions, III, Chief Judge for the United States District Court
for the District of Vermont (former Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission), Hon. Consuelo
Marshall, Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Central District of California and
the Hon. Victor Marrero, United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. Team
coaches included: David V. Kirby, Former United States Attorney for the District of
Vermont/Former Law Clerk to the Hon. John Paul Stevens, Supreme Court of the United States
and Barbara O’Connor, Attorney, Former Supervisory Assistant Federal Public Defender for the
Central District of California and First Assistant Federal Public Defender for the District of
Vermont. February 2009. http://www.williams.edu/admin/news/releases/1791/
Further, I served as a Teaching Associate at Howard University, where I taught an array of
undergraduate courses, including National Government, Science of Public Policy and Black
Politics. Previously, I coordinated a week long opportunity for each of my 35 students to shadow
members of Congress in their day-to-day work at committee hearings, meetings, and voting. The
congressional members included Senators John Kerry, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Barack Obama,
Christopher J. Dodd, Patrick Leahy and Joseph Biden, Jr. House members Danny K. Davis, Diane
E. Watson, Sheila Jackson Lee, Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Bobby Scott, Bennie Thompson and Keith
Ellison. I also coordinated meetings for my Howard University students with Associate Justices
Sandra Day O’Connor, Stephen Breyer, and Clarence Thomas of the Supreme Court of the United
States.
Having said all that, I possess a Ph.D. degree at Howard University in Political Science, with
emphasis in American Politics, Public Law and Black Politics. Served as a Visiting Scholar and
Researcher at Yale Law School and a Law and Society Fellow at the University of Oxford for
postdoctoral research.
2. Ability to Manage Research
Managing research has been my core responsibility across various jobs. I have a proven ability to
conduct cutting edge research and outreach with an impact on public policy in addition to
competency to undertake and lead research and raise money for research projects. Inherent in my
prior job title, (Senior Policy Fellow/Advisor to Congressman Davis, and the CBCF Fellow), I
researched public policy and legislative issues relevant to Congress and/or the black politics.
Whether I am composing research papers, policy briefs, talking points, press conferences,
correspondence to congressional members, or responding to the inquiries of constituents, I apply
a “big-picture” perspective to understand the complex interrelationships of all aspects of public
policy issues. I conceptualize and define public policy problems, then determine appropriate
research approaches and frameworks, analytical methodologies and techniques to ensure fully
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analysis and synthesis of information and research. For this process, I identify the implications of
data and research findings laying the foundation for appropriate conclusions. I generate and assess
alternatives and the consequences of choosing each alternative.
Conducted three types of research: exploratory research on issues of interest to the Congressional
Black Caucus Foundation, an independent, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, a government
partner; evaluations of innovative programs, including public policy reports; and applied research
that contributes to knowledge while enhancing justice system policy and practices.
A proven substantive knowledge of subject areas in the U.S. Congress: Budget Process,
Committee Procedures and Appropriations Process and a familiarity with criminal justice issues;
A history eager to engage intellectually with the range of subjects of policy issues and with the
role of research in the practical reform of criminal justice; HIV/AIDS Education and Offender
Reentry Initiatives.
Extensive experience designing, carrying out being the principal investigator on research project.
Substantive knowledge in American Politics, Public Law, Black Politics, HIV Education Voting
Rights, Economic Empowerment, Racial Disparities in Criminal Justice and Health Care.
Ability to create international and national research work.
A demonstrated interest and skill in leading, managing, contributing to and encouraging the
growth of Social Science research, whether within a university, a government agency, or an
independent institution.
A proven record of success winning, managing, and fulfilling government and fulfilling
government and philanthropic research grants and contracts.
A record of scholarship in policy reports and recommendations on Capitol Hill.
The ability to maintain a non-partisan and respectful collaboration with public officials,
community groups, funders, and government partners in the U.S. and across the globe.
A commitment to staining a diverse, stimulating, and respectful.
Developed research concepts, policy questions, and worked on plans for large-scale national,
state and regional papers and reports with a special focus on the confluence of innovation and
development of the Second Chance Act of 2007.
Co-authored policy reports for the House Committee on the Judiciary and with selected members
of Congress.
Provided general research assistance on various short-term research projects.
Helped edit and review research and manuscripts to be published.
Identified empirical trends and policy implications on specific topics as assigned indicating what
works to reduce recidivism, and what does not, to be incorporated into working papers and
published materials.
Monitored, managed, and communicated frequently the process and progress of projects to
members of Congress.
Oversaw the work of policy advisors, research assistants and outside partners on selected
projects.
Worked to communicate the findings of project or policy solutions in multiple media and through
multiple channels.
Conducted evaluations and assessments on major component of the criminal justice, a series of
options in how to reduce racial disparities in doctoral dissertation research. The agencies or
organizations responsible for implementing the recommendations were:
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Law enforcement
Respectful Policing Practices (2006 – 2007)
New York City Police Department
South Bronx Precincts
Pretrial
Pretrial Risk Validation Study (2006 – 2007)
Minnesota Fourth Judicial District, Minneapolis, MN
Prosecution
Challenged Disproportionate Representation in the Jury Pool (2007 – 2008)
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego, California
Defense
Reducing Racial Profiling in Police Stops (2008 – 2009)
Gloucester County, Office of the Public Defender
Judiciary
Enhancing Positive Public Perception of the Judiciary (2006 -2007)
Maryland Court of Appeals, Annapolis, MD
Prison
Erasing Disparities Practicum in the Ohio Prison System (2006)
Ohio Department of Rehabilitation Correction
Parole and Reentry
African American Reentry Program (2009)
Multnomah County Adult Community Justice, Portland, OR
Legislative
Connecticut Commission on Racial and Ethnic Disparity in the
Criminal Justice (2009)
Connecticut General Assembly, Hartford, CT
In the course of my work for Congressman Davis and as fellow for Congressional Black Caucus
Foundation, I have utilized my expertise in research management to develop and write numerous
papers:
The Impact of Voter Disenfranchisement laws on the African Americans.
After Prison: Barriers to Reentry to the Community. U.S. House of Representatives,
Committee on the Judiciary. 2008
The Cost of the Second Chance Act of 2007. U.S. House of Representatives, Committee
on the Judiciary. 2008.
The Ban on Welfare for Felony Drug Offenses: Given New Meaning to “Life Sentence.”
U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Judiciary. 2008
Earned a Ph.D. degree in Political Science, I wrote my dissertation on “America’s Race to
Incarcerate: Locking Up Communities of Color.” To facilitate research management, I constructed
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the Inmate Questionnaire, for example. This was a qualitative and quantitative survey constructed
in three parts. Part I assesses demographic information regarding the study participant. Part II
contains statements of opinions about increases in African American prison populations. For that
section the participant chooses between four possible statements ranging from “Strongly Agree”
to” Strongly Disagree.” Part III contains questions of factors leading to the current numbers of
African American prisoners. For this section qualitative items presented for detailed response by
the participant. To avoid bas and make alternative clear while maintaining awareness of the
tendency for social desirability, I constructed the questionnaire to address one issue per item. The
Likert Scale, a rating scale, was chosen for part of this questionnaire since it allows for the
measurement of degree of agreement or disagreement. Thus, the magnitude of the respondent’s
opinion was measured rather than its direction only. Qualitative questions allow for gathering of
more detailed information to address the research questions.
Identified empirical trends and policy implications on specific topics assigned to be incorporated
into working policy papers and published materials for House Congressional Committees and the
University of Michigan ProQuest. www.proquest.com/en-US/
Monitored, managed, and communicated frequently the process and progress of projects.
Oversaw the work of research assistants or outside partners on selected projects for Congressional
Committees.
Provided general research assistance on various short term research project with House
Democratic Leadership, House Committee on Judiciary and the Congressional Black Caucus
Foundation.
Created presentations for research projects for the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressional
House Committees on Judiciary and Oversight & Government Reform.
3. Ability to Review the Analysis of Others
Have evaluated the research and analysis of others to meet quality standards of public policy
advisors, I evaluated and critically reviewed diverse research of public policy issues for
compliance with qualitative standards and make independent judgments on acceptability of the
material.
My teaching responsibilities at Howard University included review of students’ analysis of policy
issues in Black Politics and the Science of Public Policy. I organized meetings for students with
members of Congress who provided “first-hand” exposure to the legislative process and political
perspectives to promote analytical thinking.
Writing my doctoral dissertation on “America’s Race to Incarcerate: Locking Up Community
Color,” I reviewed and analyzed the work of policymakers, scholars, and experts involved in
researching racial disparities in the federal criminal justice system. My reviews focused on federal
sentencing and practices and an examination of racial discrimination and related factors. The
following is a bibliography of books, articles, and reports that I have read, reviewed, and analyzed
in preparation of my dissertation.
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Helped edited and reviewed policy position papers and manuscripts for members of the
Congressional Black Caucus.
4. Ability to Lead People
Throughout my career, I have led terms of research in managing, defining, designing and planning
research projects. I set realistic but challenging goals and service standards. In addition to
mentoring and team leadership, I provided regular, constructive feedback, and insured that tasks
had been appropriately assigned and completed in a satisfactory manner. To that end, I monitored
performance to meet deadline and quality goals.
5. Ability to Collaborate
Have thrived in a team-based environment throughout my career, resulting in my most notable
accomplishment to date: the passage of the Second Chance Act of 2007. My role as a Senior Policy
Fellow/Advisor, I built ties and coalitions with political institutions, such as the House Democratic
and Republican Caucus as well the House Leadership. Through these collaborative efforts, under
the direction of Representative Danny K. Davis, I helped gained 92 bi-partisan co-sponsors and
247 votes for the Second Chance Act of 2007 (H.R. 1593) legislation in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
Collaborated with members of Congress, House Democratic Leadership and members of the
Congressional Black Caucus to conceive, develop, oversee, and executed major research and
policy issues focused on the national movement on offender reentry, the trends and policy solutions
under the Second Chance Act of 2007.
Worked to help construct, deepen, expand, and engage strong external networks of stakeholders
in support of policy issues on social justice initiatives.
Served as liaison to outside academic scholars, and practitioners who are advisors or partners in
projects with members of the Congressional Black Caucus; worked with outside authors, vendors,
scholars, decision-makers, constituency groups.
Worked with over 200 organizations for their support in the passage and endorse funding of the
Second Chance Act including National Sheriffs’ Association, the State Governments, National
Association of Counties, Prison Fellowship Ministries, the United Methodist Church, The
Sentencing Project, American Bar Association, Open Society Policy Center, Academy of Criminal
Justice Science, center for Community Alternatives, Justice Policy Institution, National Alliance
of Faith, International Community Corrections Association, Brookings Institution, Aspen Institute
and Vera Institute of Justice.
Worked together with the editorial Broads of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal,
Washington Post, Washington Times and many other newspapers have endorsed the Second
Chance Act and other reentry initiatives and criminal justice issues.
Worked to overcome Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) opposition to enhance federal expenditures
made him a formidable opponent of the Second Chance Act. Ultimately the broad support for the
legislation created enough pressure on Senator Coburn to lift his hold on the legislation.
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Worked in a bi-partisan effect to appropriate funding for the Second Chance Act and for FY 2010
DOJ offender reentry programs, including more than $114 million for the Second Chance Act
grant programs.
In FY 2010, I worked to secure $108,493 in appropriation for reentry programs in the Department
of Labor, including $15 million for a transition jobs grant program.
6. Ability to Communicate in Writings
In all positions of responsibility requiring written opinions and recommendations, research reports,
grants or the development of policy and position papers, I have produced clear, cogent, accurate,
and well-organized documents relevant to Congress or the scholarship of American Politics and
Black Politics. I have written decision memos, research analyses, briefing papers, and analyses of
options, evaluation of legislative proposals, op-eds, and articles covering complex public policy
issues for major national publications.
Have a proven record of distinguished work with U.S. House of Representatives, Committees on
the Judiciary and Committee on Oversight & Government Reform.
Co-authored op-eds for selected members of the Congress in the Congressional Black Caucus.
Prepared and wrote House floor statements, talking points, press releases, correspondence to
members of Congress, personal correspondence, and responses to constituent inquires.
More specifically, as a Senior Policy Fellow/Advisor to Congressman Danny. Davis, I have written
numerous papers on public policy issues. These include:
Working Papers
The Cost of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (Policy Paper)
On the Second Chance Act of 2007 (H.R.1704) entered in the House Subcommittee on
Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security (Positioned Paper
Establishing an Equal Playing Field for Criminal Defendants in the Aftermath of United
States vs. Singleton (Research Paper)
The Ban of Welfare for Felony Drug Offenses: Giving New Meaning to Life Sentence
(Policy Paper)
Played a key role in drafting major second of the Second Chance Act of 2007 (H.R.1593), which
cleared the House Committee on Judiciary. Resulted in 92 bi-partisan co-sponsors and 247 votes
in the U.S. House of Representatives to progress the United States Senate. The President signing
the Act into law.
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7. Ability to Build Client Relationship
Proven record to building relationship, bi-partisan coalitions and consensus on legislative issues
with both the Democratic National Committee, House Democratic and Republic Leadership; as
well as with Senior Cabinet Officials and the White House.
Organized several congressional press conference to drive legislative process and public policy
issues for the U.S. House of Representatives Democratic Leadership and the Congressional Black
Caucus.
8. Ability to Communicate Orally
As an established policymaker, whether engaged in the day-to-day operations of the legislative
process I was involved in policy briefings and press conferences. Delivered more than three
hundred lectures and talks to prominent colleges and universities, as well as to members of
Congress, Cabinet Officials, Think Tanks and Special Interest Groups. The academic institutions
and associations included: Harvard Law School, Yale Law School, University of Oxford, Howard
University, London School of Economics, University of Cambridge, Stanford University,
Williams College, Morgan State University, University of Virginia, Johns Hopkins University,
NAACP, Urban Institution, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Brookings Institution,
National Minority AIDS Council, Library of Congress, Aspen Institute, and Supreme Court of the
United States.
9. Ability to Convey Information Orally through Briefings and Presentations
Conveyed analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations, and other
presentations, both planned and extemporaneous, in order to discuss or explain public policy issues
related to Congress or the federal judiciary. This included targeting the amount, form, depth, and
level of detail, and content of information to the needs of the receives/audience. In my frequent
role as a panelist at various symposia and other events or Capitol Hill and elsewhere, I have
presented analysis of complex and controversial public policy issues of national and/or
international significance to audiences with varying levels of expertise.
I participated in planning meeting and briefing sessions with members of Congress and the House
Leadership to develop policy solutions. Worked together with Senior White House and Cabinet
officials on policy issues relevant to racial disparities in criminal justice, offender reentry
initiatives and HIV/AIDS among the African American community.
Led the execution of a variety of congressional briefings, press conferences, symposium, and
Democratic National Convention receptions and organized a Presidential Primary Debate (2008).
Presenter and follows:
Congressional Black Caucus, Community Re-Investment Taskforce briefing on the Amer-
I-Can Program with Jim Brown for NFL Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame Football Player.
Remarks. October 2009.
University of Memphis, Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Chance. Lecture Series.
Remarks. October 2009.
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Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, 39th Annual Legislative conference/National
Minority AIDS Council “An Evening Without Politics.” Remarks. October 2009.
Harvard Law School, Charles Hamilton Houston Institute for Race & Justice, “Rethinking
Federal Sentencing Policy.” Opening Remarks. June 2009.
Testimony before the United States Sentencing Commission Hearing on Retroactivity of
the Crack Cocaine Guideline Amendment. Presented at Georgetown Law Center,
Washington, D.C. Washington, D.C. 2007.
Sentencing in South Africa: Lessons from the United States. Presented at the University of
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. (Panelist)
Reducing racial Disparity in the Criminal Justice System. Presented at the Institute
d’Etudes Politiques de Paris, Paris, France. (Panelist)
Collateral Consequences of Minimum Mandatory Sentencing. Presented at Centre for
Socio-Legal Studies, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. July 2007 (Panelist).
Substantial Assistance: An Empirical Yardstick Gauging Equity in Current Federal policy
and Practice. Yale Law School. (Research Paper). November 2002.
10. Knowledge of Congressional Decision-Making
Working knowledge of congressional legislative processes that enact law, the federal budget
process, appropriations process, committee procedures and oversight sufficient to provide timely
and relevant assistance to congressional members, committees, and staff members.
As a Senior Policy Fellow/Advisor to Congressman Danny K. Davis served as his representative
to the House Committees on the Judiciary; worked with the House Committees on Ways & Means
and Oversight & Government Reform. My chief duty was to advise Congressman Davis and
selected members of the Congressional Black Caucus on a broad range of policy and legislative
issues, ranging from health care, unemployment, voting rights, offender reentry, criminal justice
reform, drug policy and HIV/AIDS.
As noted, I spearheaded, wrote and progressed the Second Chance Act of 2007 through the House
Committee on Judiciary for its passage in the 110th Congress in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Helped develop research concepts, policy questions, and work plans for large-scale national, state
and regional policy solutions and reports with a special focus on the confluence of innovation and
production in offense reentry.
Carried out substance – related logistics for policy roundtables with members of Congress and
other events associated with projected proposals for selected members of the Congressional Black
Caucus.
11. Ability to Exercise Judgment and Discretion
In-depth experience working with diverse groups that include decision-makers on public policy
issues has increased my ability to exercise judgment and discretion; developed an innovation
policy solution that re-focused prison-to-community reentry legislative issues on public safety,
gaining strong bi-partisan support and passage of the Second Chance of 2007.
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12. Legislative Achievement in Congress
Second Chance Act of 2007 (H.R.1953) (P.L. 110-199)
I spearheaded, wrote and progressed the Second Chance Act of 2007 for passage in the U.S. House
of Representatives.
Under directions of Congressman Danny K. Davis, I gained 92 bi-partisan co-sponsors of
H.R.1593 and 247 votes in the House under the guidance of Congressman James Clyburn,
Democratic majority Whip.
I utilized my ex-offender experience and creative ability refocusing discussions on reentry issues
and for concerns for public safety.
On April 9, 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Second Chance Act into law, which
authorized $300 million to expand assistance for people currently incarcerated, those returning to
their communities after incarceration, and children with parents in prison. The Second Chance Act
seeks to promote public safety by reducing recidivism. The prison population in the United States
has been growing steadily for more than 30years. The Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that since
2000 an average of 680,000 inmates have been released each year from state and federal prisons
and almost5 million ex-offenders are under some form of community-based supervision. Presently,
two-thirds of formerly incarcerated people are rearrested within three years after release. The
services to be funded under the Second Chance Act for reintegration into the communities and to
reduce recidivism.
Mentoring programs for adults and juveniles leaving prison;
Drug treatment during and after incarceration, including family-based treatment for
incarcerated parents;
Alternatives to incarceration for parents convicted of non-violent drug
Offenses;
Supportive programming for children of incarcerated parents; and
Early release for certain elderly prisoners convicted of non-violent offenses.
Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009
Developed provisions of the reauthorization of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Program.
Assisted in gaining 409 votes in the U.S. House of Representatives of the passage of the Ryan
White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009.
The legislation is called the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009 (Public Law
111-87, October 30, 2009). The legislation was first enacted in 1990 as the Ryan White CARE
(Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act. It has been amended and reauthorized four
times: in 1996, 2000, 2006, and 2009. The Ryan White legislation has been adjusted with each
reauthorization to accommodate new and emerging needs, such as an increased emphasis on
funding of core medical services and changes in funding formulas.
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Federal Prison Work Incentive Act of 2009
Worked spearheaded, wrote and progressed the introduction of the Federal Prison Work Incentive
Act of 2009 by Representative Danny K. Davis, September 2009.
Assisted gained more than 20 bi-partisan sponsors of (H.R.1475) in the U.S. House of
Representatives.
I utilized creative ability to refocusing discussions on improving prison management by expanding
prisoners’ good conduct credits.
Under the direction of Representative Danny K. Davis, I created and developed recommendations
from AD Hoc Advisory Committee as follows:
Hon. Alexander Williams, Judge, United States District Court for the Central District of
California;
Hon. Consuelo Marshall, Senior Judge, United States District Court for the Central District
of California;
Congresswoman Gwen Moore;
Congressman Danny K. Davis;
A.J. Kramer, Federal Defenders for the District of Columbia;
Margaret Love, Former Pardon Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice;
Marc Mauer, Executive Director, Sentencing Project;
Julie Stewart, President, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM);
Jane Browning, Executive Director, International Community Corrections Association;
Federal Prison Work Incentive Act of 2009 – Amends the federal criminal code to allow reductions
in the prison term of a federal prisoner whose record of conduct shows that such prisoner has
substantially observed all prison regulations and has not been subjected to punishment. Allows the
Director of the Bureau of Prisons to grant a reduction in a prisoner’s term for actual employment
in an industry or camp or for exceptionally meritorious service for performing duties of
outstanding importance in connection with institutional operations.
Over 220,000 people are incarcerated under the jurisdiction of the Federal Bureau of Prisons,
making it the largest prison system in the world. The federal prison population has increased at
least three times the rate of state prison since 1995 and costs the taxpayers over 6.8 billion per
year. As of year – end 2011 the Bureau of Prisons was 46 percent over capacity. Yet nearly three
– fourths of federal prisoners are serving time for a non-violent offense and haven history of
violence. Moreover, federal sentences are often long and excessive, particularly for non-violent
offenses, and prisoners are required to serve at least 85 percent of their sentence. From1992 to
2002, the average time served in prison for a drug offense increased by 31 percent, from 32.7
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months to 42.9 months. Curbing this exponential prison growth is critical. Over-incarcerate more
than is necessary to accomplish legitimate goals of sentencing. To alleviate the unwarranted over-
incarceration in the federal prison system, that Congress should pass legislation to expand the
amount of and ways to earn good time credit.
House Concurrent Resolution325: Oprah Winfrey
Congratulating Oprah Winfrey for her 20 years of exemplary work and service. Under the direction
of Congressman Davis, I spearheaded and wrote the House Concurrent Resolution in recognition
of Oprah Winfrey many achievements and contributions.
Whereas the Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one television talk show for
19 consecutive years;
Whereas the Oprah Winfrey Show was seen by an estimated 49,000,000 viewers each week
in the United States, and is broadcast internationally in 177 countries;
Whereas Oprah Winfrey has enjoyed a successful acting career and has received Oscar and
Golden Globe nominations for her role in the movie “The Color Purple.”
Whereas in 1991 Oprah Winfrey initiated a campaign to establish national database of
convicted child abusers and testified before the committee on the Judiciary Senate on
behalf of the National Protection Act;
Whereas in 1993 President Bill Clinton signed into law the “Oprah Bill,” which established
a national database of convicted child abusers; and
Whereas Oprah Winfrey has used the Oprah Winfrey Show to address some of the major
issues of our time, including Child sex trafficking which is a $10 Billion, industry affecting
more than 2 million children.
Tribute to John Harold Johnson, House Concurrent Resolution 246
Under the direction of Congressman Davis, I spearheaded and wrote the Tribute to John H.
Johnson in recognition of his many achievements and contributions in a House Concurrent
Resolution:
Whereas on August 9, 2005, the United States lost John H. Johnson, who contributed
greatly to the nation by using the power of the press to open the doors of opportunity for
Americans and shatter negative, racial stereotypes;
Whereas john H. Johnson created Ebony Magazine, which began in 1945 with yearly
circulation of 25,000 and reached a monthly circulation exceeding 1,600,000;
Whereas John H. Johnson also created Jet Magazine, founded in 1951, with a current
weekly circulation 900,000; and
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Whereas John H. Johnson’s publications helped create a powerful African American
marketplace, which permitted African Americans and other minorities to participate in the
United Sates economy in a new and more just manner, and which made John H. Johnson
one of the nation’s most successful entrepreneurs and innovators.
House Concurrent Resolution 1055: Honoring the Fisk Jubilee Singers
Spearheaded and wrote the House Concurrent Resolution in the recognition of the Fisk Jubilee
Singers. I acquired more than 27 co-sponsors of the House Concurrent Resolution.
Whereas the Fisk Jubilee Singers are a group of young, male and female vocal artists who
are students of Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and who sign and travel the world;
Whereas the performance was one of the first public performances of the secret music that
African Americans sang in the fields and behind closed doors for generations;
Whereas in combining the heritage of African Culture and the experiences encountered
while in bondage, this early African American music became a unifying and driving force
among slaves in the United States; and
Whereas spirituals, as many of these songs came tube called, expressed faith in God, helped
to make work more bearable, and also revealed plans to revolt.
Congressional Press Conferences and Media Briefings
Organized congressional press conferences to drive legislative progress to audiences in town hall
meetings, policy briefings, symposia via news and social media:
Congress Black Caucus, Washington, D.C. October 2009
Community Re-Investment Taskforce
Coordinated congressional briefing and press conference on the Amer-I-Can Program with
Jim Brown Former NFL Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame Football Player. Remarks given
by Rep. Danny K. Davis and Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson. . Other participants included
Rep. Bennie Thompson, Rep. John Conyers, Rep. Barbara Lee, Rep. Bobby Scott, Rep.
Hank Johnson, Rep. John Lewis, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Diane Watson and Rep.
Andre Carson.
United States District Court for the Central District of California October 2009
Press Conference and Briefing
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Policy briefing on reducing recidivism through evidence-based reentry practice.
Participants included Eric Holder, Attorney General, U.S. Department of Justice, Rep.
Danny K. Davis, Rep. Diane Watson, and Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Washington, D.C. September 2009
39th Annual Legislative Conference – Grand Hyatt
National Minority AIDS Council fundraiser on HIV/AIDS Awareness. Coordinated press
conference with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Richard Durbin, Sen. John Kerry, Rep.
Barbara Lee, Rep. Danny Davis, Rep. Yvette Clarke, Rep. Donna Edwards, Rep. John
Lewis, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Donna Christensen, Rep. Diane Watson, Rep.
Maxine Waters, Gen. Colin Powell and Former Secretary Alexis Herman.
Congressional Black Caucus, Washington, D.C. June 2009
Community Re-Investment Taskforce/Charles Hamilton Houston for
Race & Justice, Harvard Law School
Press briefing on “Rethinking Federal Sentencing Policy 25th Anniversary of the
Sentencing Reform Act,” with on Hon. Stephen Breyer, Associate Justice, and Supreme
Court of the United States, Eric Holder, Jr., and Attorney General for the U.S. Department
of Justice, Rep. Danny K. Davis and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
National Minority AIDS Council, Washington, D.C. March 2009
HIV/AIDS on Offender Reentry
Organized Press Conference and briefing on HIV/AIDS with Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep.
Danny K. Davis, Rep. Donna Christensen, Rep. Maxine waters, and Rep. Barbara Lee.
Williams College, Williamstown, MA November 2008
An Evening with Members of the Congressional Black Caucus
Organized a Press Briefing with the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal with
members of the Congressional Black Caucus with a round table discussion with Lesley
Stahl, CBS News, 60 Minutes Correspondent.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Williamstown, MA March 2006
Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act of 1995
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Organized a national press conference on the Reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act
with then Sen. Barack Obama, then Sen. John Kerry, Rep. Danny K. Davis Rep. William
Jefferson, Rep. Charles Rangel and Rep. John Lewis.
Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Washington, D.C. September 2006
Annual Legislative Conference
National Job Fair for Ex-Offenders
Organized a press conference on the corporate participants of the Job Fair that included BP
America, Sodexho, Home Depot, Clark Construction, Exxon Mobil, Walgreens, U.S. Air,
U.S. Department of Labor, Raytheon, CSX, Giant Foods, Dell, Safeway, Altria
Corporation, McDonald’s Corporation, 20 other corporations. Hosted by Congressman
Danny K. Davis and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson and Congresswoman Gwen Moore.
13. Congressional Appropriations Achievements
The Second Chance Act of 2007 (P.L. 11-199) expands the current offender reentry grant program
at DOJ, replacing the for purpose areas currently eligible for funding with new purpose areas
spanning every phase of the offender reentry process. Applicants for these grants are subject to a
number of requirements, including submitting a reentry strategic plan with their application,
describing the long-term strategy, and providing a detailed implementation schedule, among other
things. The act requires that states and localities match 50 percent of the federal funds provided;
up to half of this state match (or 25 percent of the overall total funding) can be composed of in-
kind contributions. The act as noted creates some new demonstration grant programs, including:
Grants for state and local reentry court;
Grants for drug treatment diversion programs;
Grants to expand substance-abuse programs for prisoners and ex-offenders;
Grants to expand the use of career training programs and mentoring programs.
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Since FY 2009, funding for reentry program has been appropriated pursuant to the grant programs
authorized by the Second Chance Act.
Table I. Direct Appropriations for DOJ Reentry Grant Programs
Fiscal Years Appropriations
_____________________________________________
2009 $ 25,000,0001
2010 $100,000,0002
2011 $ 82,834,0003
2012 $ 63,000,0004
Source: FY2009 appropriation was taken from P.L. 111-08; FY2010 appropriation taken from
H.R. 111—366; FY2011 appropriation based on a CRS analysis of the text of P.L. 112-10;
FY2012appropriation taken from H.R. 112-284.
14. Community Outreach Initiatives
Proven track record of collaborations and successful community outreach:
HIV among African Americans
1 This amount includes $15 million for adult and juvenile offender re-entry demonstration programs which were
reauthorized by section 101 of the Second Chance Act (P.L.110-199). This amount also includes $10 million for grants
for non-profit organizations to provide mentoring and transitional services to ex-offenders. This grant program was
authorized by section 211 of the Second Chance Act.
2 This amount includes $37 million for adult and juvenile offender re-entry demonstration programs which were
reauthorized by section 101 of the Second Chance Act.This amount also includes $10 million for state,trial, and local
re-entry courts (authorized by section111 of the Second Chance Act); $7.5 million for family-based substance abuse
treatment programs (authorized by Section113 of the Second Chance Act); $2.5 million to evaluate and improve
education at prison, jails, and juvenile facilities (authorized by section114 of the Second Chance Act); $5 million for
technology careers training demonstration grants (authorized by Section 201 of the Second Chance Act); $15 million
for grants for mentoring and transitional services (authorized by section 211 of the Second Chance Act); and$10
million for prisoner re-entry research (authorized by Section 245 of the Second Chance Act).
3 This amount includes $30.6 million for adult and juvenile offender re-entry demonstration programs that were
reauthorized by Section 101 of the Second Chance Act. This amount also includes 8.3 million for state,tribal, and the
Second Chance Act); $2.1 million to evaluate and improve education at prisons, jails, and juvenile facilities
(authorized by Section114 of the Second Chance Act); $4.1 million for technology careers training demonstration
grants (authorized by section 115 of the Second Chance Act); $10.8 million for offender re-entry substance abuse and
criminal justice collaboration (authorized by Section 211 of the Second Chance Act); and $8.3 million for prisonerre-
entry research (authorized by Section 245 of the Second Chance Act).
4 For FY2012, Congress did not specify how funding or the Second Chance Act had to be divided amongst the
programs authorized by the Act to the Office of Justice Programs.
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Collaborated with Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the White House AIDS Initiatives as
well as with other public health officials in pursuing a high-impact prevention approach to advance
the goals of National HIV/AIDS strategy and maximize the effectiveness of current HIV
prevention methods. This approach and maximize the effectiveness of current HIV prevention
methods. This approach focused on implementing programs that haves shown the greatest potential
to reduce new HIV infections in populations and geographic areas at highest risk and on a scale
large enough to yield the greatest possible impact on the HIV epidemic. Examples of activities
collaborated in African American communities included:
The Act against AIDS campaign delivers culturally appropriate messages about HIV
infection. “Take Charge – take the Test.” Encouraged African American Women to get
tested for HIV. “Testing Makes Us Stronger,” is aimed at increasing HIV testing among
black MSM.
An active part of the Act against AIDS Campaign, the Act Against AIDS Campaign, the
Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), was an organization that represent the
populations hardest hit by HIV. AAALI was initially formed to provide critical funding
and to intensify HIV prevention efforts in black communities, but has since expanded to
include organizations that focus on black MSM and the Latino community.
Expanded Testing Initiative (TEI). In 2010, worked jointly with CDC to continue a second
three-year expanded HIV testing program that builder on an initiative started on
In 2007 to increase HIV testing among African Americans. In the first three years of the
project, more than 2.8 million tests were conducted and 18,432 people were newly
diagnosed with HIV. Most of the people who were tested (57.4 percent) and diagnosed
with HIV (66.0 percent) were African Americans. ETI included 30 health jurisdictions and
focused on increasing HIV testing among African Americans and Latinos, as well as MSM
and injection drug users of all races and ethnicities. Funding for the program was increased
from $36 million per year to more than $40 million per year.
In September 2010, collaborated with CBC to award $55 million for HIV prevention
projects for Young Men of Color Who Have Sex With Men (YMCSM) and Young
Transgender (YTG) Persons of Color, to provide effective HIV prevention services over
five years to YMCSM and YTG persons of color and their partners regardless of age,
gender, and race/ethnicity.
Provided educational support and technical to community and faith-based organizations to deliver
effective prevention interventions for African Americans. Outreach included.
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Willow, which emphasizes gender pride among HIV-positive African American women,
informs them how to identify and maintain supportive social networks and healthy
relationships, and learn coping strategies and safe sex communication skills;
Sister to Sister and SIHLE provide culturally sensitive health information to empower and
educate African American women and adolescent females;
Nia educates African American heterosexual men about HIV/AIDS and its effect on their
communicates and motivates risk-reduction behaviors by effective condom use;
D-up: Defend Yourself!! And Many Men, many voices address social, cultural, and
religious norms, promote condom use, and assist black MSM in recognizing and handling
HIV risk-related racial and sexual bias.
Voting Rights Initiatives.
Created and implement strategies to remove barriers to voting for persons with felony
disenfranchisement.
Conducted research and produced report, policy papers, fact sheets and other educational
materials, including community-focused resources, on existing emerging efforts at the federal,
state and local level to restrict voting rights, including voter-ID, elimination of same day
registration and early voting, felony disenfranchisement and other such burdens.
Assisted in cultivating strategic partnerships and coalitions at the national levels to advance and
protect voting rights and eliminate barriers to voting.
United Negro College Fund Special Programs (UNCFSP)
Worked collaboratively to develop and implement a pilot program to address broad concerns of
fairness in the criminal justice system and strategies for prison reintegration.
Engaged with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to lead community programs
to facilitate transition/reintegration, prevent recidivism, improve public safety, and strengthen
families and communities.
Organized and hosted a series of symposia to address social justice and reintegration topics on
Capitol Hill and at HBCUs campuses.
Implement research, such as Knowledge, Attitudes, and behavior (KAB) project linking academia
and leading organizations to investigate and report on topical issues.
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Served as Subject Matters Expert (SME) throughout design and implementation of program
components; increase congressional interest and support; increase visibility to national
stakeholders.
Oversee and facilitate all supporting activities, including literature and reports of joint initiatives.
College and Young Adult Organizer: Howard University and Williams College
Developed, implemented and managed measurable and sustainable grassroots organized strategies
that engaged college students and young adults in grassroots advocacy and issues area campaigns.
Coordinated training and capacity-building activities related to grassroots organizing and
advocacy campaigns; exposed target constituencies to fundamental principles that enhance their
abilities to create social change in their local communities.
Ignited coalition-building and accelerated productive relationships between national campaigns
and local special interests to increase meaningful youth activism and engagement.
Implemented multi-faceted advocacy and civic participation campaigns on key issues; including
supporting the training of college and young adult leadership to act as organizers and advocates in
establishing alliances to integrate into special interest campaigns.
Maintained timely, effective and efficient communication with students on college and university
campuses, and other important stakeholders.
